"Are you kidding? Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles." A deep swill tells a story within the story, but only to those who look beneath the surface. Basil Hayden's Bourbon is surprising; a layered, and complex whiskey. The Princess Bride (1987), was a fairytale for children right? Not exactly. The tale opens with a doting grandfather caring for his ailing grandchild. The pages of an old book open; the scene is sweet but emphasizes the piquant rye of youth. The story quickly becomes a saccharine romance. Fred Savage's character, being a young boy of the '80s decries the sap - his wise grandpa insists he wait for the tale to play out. Like this bourbon, the beginning is familiar. Some sweetness and all-too common flavors served in an a almost cliché romantic package. Nothing special, but it's nice enough. As the story advances, approachability is overtaken by surprising cleverness. The sweet honey of true-love's kiss alternates with the dark-comedy of spiced rye. Action, suspense, comedy, romance, and whimsy swirl together into a remarkably memorable mixture. “Life isn't fair, it's just fairer than death, that's all.” ... Like the movie, your first imbibing should be enjoyable but leaves something to be desired. Reflection and repeated intake will reveal a rich world of creativity. The clever, occasionally dark, comedic adventure eventually reveals the absurdity and beauty of life as it bestows true loves kiss.